FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: EPAS: Medical Standards, Not Birthdates, Should Decide Pilot Fitness

EPAS: Medical Standards, Not Birthdates, Should Decide Pilot Fitness

Washington, DC — Experienced Pilots Advancing Safety (EPAS) reaffirmed today its support for the FAA’s rigorous medical and industrial safeguards that already ensure pilot competence and safety. Pilots over 60 must pass a first-class medical exam every six months and recurrent simulator proficiency checks. These standards are the real measure of fitness — not an arbitrary birthday.

“Human beings today live longer, healthier, and more capable lives. As aviation technology advances, our safety standards should reflect performance and medical science, not outdated assumptions,” said an EPAS spokesperson.

EPAS further emphasized that the aviation system must address physical and psychological health with integrity. Pathways for pilots recovering from these conditions — through structured FAA medical waivers and programs — already exist. If pilots can be safely and ethically returned to flying status, that demonstrates our aviation culture is dynamic, evolving, and committed to both safety and fairness.

By contrast, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) continues to defend the age-65 cutoff, even while foreign pilots over 65 fly into U.S. airspace and while ALPA leadership itself serves beyond 65. “That is hypocrisy, plain and simple. It undermines both union values and public safety,” EPAS stated.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) member states — including Canada, Australia, Japan, Brazil, and the UK — have already endorsed raising or removing the limit. Experienced Captains in these nations continue flying safely while mentoring the next generation.

EPAS calls on Congress and the FAA to end this discriminatory policy and adopt performance-based standards in line with global practice. Eliminating the age limit is the fastest, most cost-effective way to strengthen safety, stabilize airline operations, and restore integrity to U.S. aviation policy.

Capability — not age — should determine who flies.

For more information visit: www.epaspilot.org